The Portage City Council will hold a special meeting next week to consider the appointment of an acting city manager. Current Portage manager Maurice Evans will retire on April first, and by law the city must appoint a successor within 30 days.

Mayor Pete Strazdas has recommended the appointment of current deputy city manager Brian Bowling. Several council members said they need more time to consider the proposal.

Portage City Council members say they hope to decide soon how they’ll select the city’s next manager. Maurice Evans announced his retirement on Monday after eight years at the post.

At the city council’s meeting yesterday, Mayor Pete Strazdas suggested councilors weigh different approaches with the hope of approving one at their next meeting. He says the first step is for members to decide what “qualities” they’re looking for in Evans’ successor. Considerations include whether to hire a search firm to find candidates and a consultant to assist with decision-making.